Sirens

            The creature I am about to describe is technically a vampire, but can be scientifically categorized as a sub-species because of a number of unique characteristics it has. The Celts called them kelpies, and the Greeks called them sirens. They are human-shaped aquatic predators, complete with green skin, gills, and festering cysts that cover their bodies in a layer of slime. They also have a disturbing talent for mimicking human speech, although their intelligence generally leads them to limit themselves to a sort of squelching “plop.” Like I said, they’re only technical vampires…I normally don’t associate with them. They’re just so…oogy.

            Sirens are created with a variation of the Vampiric transformation, one that does not have a high degree of success. The only way to do it is to insert Vampiric venom into a drowned corpse that has been decomposing in water for at least three days. The bloated corpse will either regenerate as a siren (a disgusting prospect) or it will burst (an even more disgusting outcome). The easiest way to explain this creature is to experience it, but neither of us want to do that. Trust me on this. As an alternative, I have included an eyewitness account of The Fall of Atlantis. It is gruesome stuff, but I would remind you that it is also very rare to have a complete copy, so you’re privileged to have this available:

            They came at night, and took the beach. They slew all the guards, drained their blood, and left the bodies floating in the surf. By the time we found them the next day the fish had already eaten their eyes. We've sent out ships to the nearby lands, begging for help, but I fear it will make no difference. We are too isolated; the sea which was our greatest defense, has turned against us.

            They have taken the docks; the boats there have been destroyed beyond repair. The women and children have been gathered to the tower, and the King is sending them in his personal boat to flee. We pray to the gods that they will reach shore alive, while we lay down our lives here.

            Today the boat returned. There was no sign of its passengers, save for a single smear of blood. My Lord fears the worst, as do I. my darling Deiamira…for your sake I hope it was quick. We have tried to fix the boat’s rudder, but there is a fell substance upon it, a dark magic that eats and bites at our hands. Each hour we remain here saps what hope we have.

            The tower is surrounded. They lie out in plain sight, their bodies baking on the roof-tops. At midday, a celebration of sorts occurred. They dragged out several women they had captured from the boat. The Queen was among them. I begged my Lord not to watch, but he loved her too much not to be with her in her suffering. He asked me to let her die, to ease her passing. I tried, let the gods witness, but our weapons could not reach. Soon we too will share the Queen’s fate.

            They are in the tower. We have barred all the doors and windows in the King’s chambers, but we can still hear them. They whisper terrible things, scratch and tap at every door, and above all, the dripping. It never ceases, that horrible dripping. A stench has come over everything, such that some men are driven to madness. It would be so easy to give in and let go of this world. Naught but my oath to my Lord separates me from that bliss.

            It has been seven days and six nights. The food is all but depleted, and many men cast longing glances at their swords. Mine too is thirsty, but I choose to deny myself the coward’s way out. Tylissus says that they will strike tonight, when the moon rises full. I feel he is right, for all is dreadfully silent. Good, let them make an end of it. Wait, I think I hear a voice…Deiamira? 

–Manuscript ends–